Master of Arts in Leadership

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The application of the Leadership of Nehemiah in the rehabilitation of the mother Church to improve the performance of the Marovoay District
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Rabenarivo, Jim Hervé
For a district pastor, the mission is to make his district more spiritually powerful. This is possible if the district manages to find the priority problem and then finds its resolution which will involves the resolution of all the other problems. It was a qualitative study at the Marovoay district level (Indian Ocean Union Missions), including the elders, members and non-Adventists. The study felt that the priority problem is the out datedness of the mother Church. The most relevant strategy to cure it is the extension and the rehabilitation of this Church with the participation of all the churches and all the members of the Marovoay district without waiting for assistance come from outside. Once established the project will run for 8 months with 6 months of preparation and 2 months of actual work of rehabilitation. One applied the leadership principles of Nehemiah. A study on evaluation will be conducted, comparing the spirituality of the members before and after the rehabilitation. Before starting the project, only 30% of the church members were satisfied with the worship. Four months later, the satisfaction of project significantly rose to 70% on the statistics. The impact could not be measured due to shortness of time; however from the direct results obtained the church elders justified the increase in tithe. Meanwhile, the non Adventist members were astonished and this caused them to become Seventh-day Adventist church members.
Assessing factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church: Case study of selected Churches in Mwanza, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-05) Mlozi, Beatus G
The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwanza, Tanzania. This objective was achieved by using a survey research design with a questionnaire composed of 95 questions. The questionnaires were distributed to 270 people and 155 respondents filled and returned the forms. This makes a retrieval rate 62%. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20, to answer the three research objectives. The analytical tools were percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Coefficients. The findings indicated that the majority of marriages studied were in bad condition. The first objective shows the mean average of 4.5 which reveals that the respondents are concerned to have marital satisfaction. In the second objective which had thirteen factors, which had a mean score of 3.7, an indication that marriages need improvement as they seemed not to be sure of their satisfaction in spirituality, communication, and sex life, among other areas. The third objective results showed that the majority agreed there is a great need to improve the state of affairs in order for spouses to be satisfied in their marriage. The alternative hypothesis was accepted—there is a strong relationship between marital satisfaction and spirituality. In the end, it is recommended that families invest in spirituality as it directly relates to their marital satisfaction. Finally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is advised to increase both pre-marital and marital seminars to remedy the current situation.
Causes of marital conflict and divorce among Adventist couples in Cape Coast, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-01) Kusi-Acheampong, Solomon
Marital conflicts, separations and divorce are fast growing phenomena in the Cape coast district and its environments. It is an undisputable fact that a solution should be found for this problem in the society. This study therefore aimed at designing, implementing and evaluating an educational strategy to reduce these marital conflict that result in divorce to the barest minimum. After an intensive literature review which embodied the study of the bible, the Spirit of prophecy books and other relevant materials, a program was designed and implemented in the Cape Cost district which included: a weekly reading of marriage passages from the book Adventist Home by selected families. Furthermore, during Sunday bible studies program in the church, the book Encounter with Marriage Truth was read. Monthly meetings for a “Family Life Week of Prayer” for a period of six months were held, and an intensive Pastoral visitation to the selected respondents. It was based on these educational activities that the program was assessed.The implementation of the program attracted non Adventists, especially Adventist whose parents were non Adventist. Most local churches had their premises filled to the capacity during the program. Some of the participants gave their lives to Christ and got baptized. The confessions and pronouncements made by some attendees, and the reduction in conflicts, separations and divorce during and after the program indicated that the messages had deep impact on the participants. Moreover, the relationship between the district pastors and the church members was improved tremendously. It was observed after the program implementation that many church members were half baked in matters of marriage, hence the numerous marital problems. The researcher recommended that a bible study guide on marriage be prepared for the churches. It was also suggested that both the programs Christian Home marriage week and Family Togetherness week programs continue in the various churches.
Challenges of change leadership in the central Malawi field of Seventh-day Adventist church: The case of Central Malawi Field dealings with Mlodza church
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-07) Matekenya, Dennis John Rabson
Between 2001 and 2003, the Central Malawi Field (CMF) of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church experienced some challenges with Mlodza Church concerning women preaching. Disagreements that followed between CMF and Mlodza Church prompted CMF to sever communication with Mlodza Church. A study was conducted in order to establish how the CMF handled the change process through personal interviews, review of archival document contents like minutes and letters of CMF and Mlodza Church and administering close-ended questionnaire to 100 respondents distributed equally between workers at CMF, Mlodza Church members, Lilongwe City pastors, church elders and women leaders. The data was analyzed using excel spreadsheet. The findings show that the CMF mishandled the change processes. It also revealed lack of change leadership skills on the part of CMF officers and that there was lack of effective change guidelines to assist the CMF in dealing with change processes. The LIFE change model was developed as a possible guideline for change leadership. The model has four components which form guidelines for change in the Church: learning, initiating, facilitating and entrenching. The study recommends that pastors and local leaders need to receive orientation in change management, that the training of pastors at Malawi Adventist University should include courses on leadership and change management to ensure that would-be pastors have knowledge of handling change processes in the church.
Classroom integration of faith and learning at selected Adventist Schools in Copperbelt, Midland and Luapula Conferences of Northern Zambia Union Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Soko, Jonah
The study was on class Integration of Faith and Learning (IFL) practices at Mupapa Adventist Academy (MAA), Kabwe Adventist Secondary (KAS) and Chimpempe Adventist Mission Secondary Schools (CMSS) of the Northern Zambia Union Conference. It was observed that there was a weak emphasis on the Integration of Faith and Learning practice in the classes, but not much was known apart from that. The purpose of the study was therefore to explore the extent to which the IFL was being practiced in the classroom and the factors that are associated with the practice. The study used a descriptive design. Data was collected from 60 teachers from both the primary and secondary sectors. The instrument was a self-designed questionnaire that inquired, apart from the demographic variables (age, years of teaching, academic qualification, religious affiliation and sector of employment), about the level of IFL practice of the teachers, and whether they were trained in IFL teaching. The whole population was chosen for the three schools, that is, 65 teachers. The schools involved were MAA and KAS of the Copperbelt and Midlands Conference respectively and then CMSS of Luapula Conference in Northern Zambia Union Conference in the Luapula Province. Only 60 questionnaires were returned. The data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics—frequency distribution, simple correlation and t-test for independent samples. The study showed that the majority of the respondents were male (58%), and are more than 30 years old (70 %). 82% of the respondents had between 0-15 years of teaching experience, 53% have an undergraduate degree or above and 47% have either a certificate or a diploma. Seventy-five percent of the participants were baptized Seventh-day Adventists, 53% teach in secondary schools and 47% teach in primary schools. A crosstab analysis revealed that 64% of the primary school teachers are females and 78% of the secondary school teachers are males. The latter also hold an undergraduate degree and above, whereas their female counterparts hold either a diploma or a certificate. The findings revealed that the respondents did practice Integration of Faith and Learning mainly in the form of praying, reading the Bible in class and using the Bible as a textbook for all subjects. “Praying” scored a slightly higher mean than the other three forms. Use of the Bible during the lesson presentation rated second and reading the Bible during class came in third position. The overall score indicated a mean of 3.3, with a standard deviation of 1.21. The analysis also examined if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the demographic variables. In order to answer this question, a mean comparison using t-test was done. The findings indicated that female teachers seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than their male counterparts. For the demographic variable “age” the finding indicated no significant difference. Also there were no significant difference in the practice of IFL based on years of teaching, and religious affiliation. However, for the last two variables: academic qualifications and sector there was a significant difference. Those who have certificates and diplomas and who are in the primary school sector practice seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than those who have first degrees and above and who work in the secondary school sector. Further analysis was done to find if there is a relationship between the level of spirituality of the respondents and their level of practice of Integration of Faith and Learning in the classroom. The study revealed that the teachers had a fairly high level of spirituality. The correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the level of spirituality and the level of practice in the classroom. Nevertheless it was found that in the secondary sector, even if the teachers seems to have a high level of spirituality, they do not practice IFL that much in the classroom. This finding seems to suggest that there are other factors that can affect the actual practice of IFL. Finally, an analysis was done to see if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the attendance to the training and orientation seminars on IFL. Using independent samples T-test, the results showed that there was a significant difference between the practices based on the training and orientation received by the participants. Those who have attended the seminar on IFL and obtained an orientation on how to integrate faith and learning during the lessons as well as during the social games tend to practice it more than those who had not obtained the training. Based on the findings four major recommendations were made. First, the teachers of the Primary schools who happen to the mostly female teachers should be encouraged to keep up IFL practices, while the secondary school teachers need to be encouraged to do so. Second, given the fact that those who got the training tend to practice it more in the classrooms, the school administrators need to ensure that all the teachers get an opportunity to attend training seminars on ILF. Third, the use of the Bible during lesson presentation be encouraged further. Fourth, the teachers should be encouraged to nurture their level of spirituality as this will drive them to practice their faith more in the classroom.
Coaching Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist church leaders and members for church planting
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-04) Sicelo, James Williams
The Emmanuel SDA Church in the Griqualand District of the Cape Conference in South Africa has not been active in church planting. They had experienced some challenges when they attempted to do it in the past. They could not point to one church or branch that they started themselves. To remedy the situation I employ coaching to assist the church in its mission of church planting. The first step in the program development was to conduct a workshop where church planting and the strategies of outreach were pointed out. This served as a basis from which the church was now going to proceed in its work of church planting. The following part was to assist the church in putting those outreach methods into practice. We requested the three cell groups that already existed to do Bible studies in Stock & Stock. These groups had leaders who had to make sure that they were functioning in the best way possible. The leaders were then taught some principles of coaching. These leaders were going to assist the groups to do the program outlined in the workshop at the targeted area where a church planting initiative was going to be implemented. We had a successful campaign at Stock & Stock. The coaching of the group members had a good success. Although there were challenges in the beginning, but the leaders were patient in coaching the members for success. At the same time they too were receiving coaching from me. As they were motivated to do more, so were the members in their groups. This had a positive impact on the work that was undertaken by the church. As a result of this venture the church was awoken to vibrancy and the people who were discouraged became revived. Most of the people became aware of their talents and the potential of the church in outreach was realised. In the end there was a church branch that was organized in Stock & Stock, and there was also a follow-up program after the campaign. This program serves as a model for church planting in Emmanuel SDA Church and elsewhere.
Conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Musara, Godfrey
The research dealt with the causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference and how it could be managed. The data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire on the causes of conflicts and conflict resolution methods as well as an interview schedule. The questionnaire which was of the five point Likert scale of Always to Never was used for data collection. The questionnaire was both face and content validated and a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.783 was obtained following a pilot study. The questionnaire was administered to 75 respondents made up of administrators and staff. The data collected were analyzed quantitative and the qualitative methods. The questionnaire was analysed using the quantitative method. The data collected were coded and analysed using the descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Graphical representation of data such as pie chart and bar graphs were also used. The descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used. The results were presented in tables and graphs. The study revealed that poor communication, leadership style and poor conditions of work were often causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools while the conflict resolution methods often used were consultations and dialogue. As a way of addressing the problem, a fellowship program was carried out in one of the boarding schools. After the seminar presentation an evaluation form was issued out to assess the effectiveness of the program and the responses indicated that such a seminar on conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools would reduce conflicts. Based on the findings it was recommended that workshops and seminars on conflict management be conducted periodically for administrators and staff in Seventh-day Adventist institutions.
Cultural practices that promote pre-marital sex among the youth of Seventh-day Adventist church, Lafia District, North East Nigeria Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-11) Zakiri, Ezekiel Luka
To some people virginity is viewed as sacred and honorable, while to others it is not and cannot be. There is little to doubt that culture has a role to play in the sexual behaviors of young people. The high percentage of pregnancy in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Lafia, due to premarital activities is quite disturbing. These cases of unwanted pregnancies constitute serious problems for the youth, the family, the church and the society at large. To make a proper investigation of the problem, 65 questionnaires were administered and personal interviews were conducted. All interviews were undertaken in a private environment and in the language of choice of the respondents. The interview guide had earlier been translated into Hausa, a language that dominates the Northern part of Nigeria.Findings revealed that the predominant sources of sexual knowledge that negatively influenced the youths were media and friends. Cultural matters, like very high bride price and the inclusion of prohibited items, such as alcohol and pig, as bride price, encouraged the youths to engage in sexual immorality. It is, therefore, recommended that the home school be strengthened. Parents that are members of the church should not succumb to the cultural and pagan practices of demanding forbidden items as bride price. The leadership of the church should lay emphasis on youth’s fellowship that puts a living relationship with God as top priority.
Developing a peer counseling team for the Adventist Youth in Ongata Rongai District of Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Nairobi Station, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2009-07) Gichuiri, John Macharia
The youth in Ongata Rongai Pastoral District are highly influenced by their peers to engage in negative activities which are self defeating and therefore a team of well trained youth peers counselors would change things round for the better. After the study from the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White and other writers and after the collection of data in the Pastoral District, the researcher developed a team of youth peer counselors who were trained to give and counsel to their fellow youth who constitute more than seventy five percent (75%) of the total church membership in the District. The team was well chosen from among the best leaders in the youth ministry in the seven churches in the Pastoral District. The training sessions began in January to June 2009. The team began with fourteen members but fifty percent (50%) succeeded in completing the entire course. The programme was a success in that we now have seven well trained young people who will be used to give their services to the youth in the Pastoral District and who will train others. Other youth in other church Districts will require this training to encourage more youth to participate in this noble mission.
Developing a strategy to revive teamwork spirit among leaders in Seventh-day Adventist church South Kenya Conference
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-07) Nyambane, Obed Nyamache
For a leader, teamwork spirit means blending together in unity, working together in harmony, laboring together with God in order to achieve the common set goal, that is the salvation of humanity. It is working together as brethren, consulting together, counseling with the ministers and responsible men, and above all, seek wisdom from above together. After a serious study of teamwork spirit, the researcher developed a strategy to revive teamwork spirit among leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Kenya Conference. A series of lessons on teamwork spirit were developed and training was done for both ministers and the church elders in various centers. The training exercise lasted for two years.After having gone through the lessons, the minsters and the elders resolved to work together as brethren and be in harmony with biblical principles on teamwork spirit. There is now improvement in church membership, tithe and offerings growth. The promotion on teamwork spirit done by the researcher has kindled in the hearts of the laity especially the church elders for the last two years. They prayed that the same spirit be generated not only in their hearts but also in the hearts of the entire leadership of the church in South Kenya Conference.
Developing leadership skills in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: a case study of the Ntonso Church in the Mountain View Conference, Ghana
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-09) Gyamfi, Stephen Owusu-Ansah
An evaluation of the existing literature on leadership validates that leadership development is very vital in every organization. This study's drive was to review the definitions and theories of leadership as well as the proposed structure of developing leadership skills to design a leadership development program that would be beneficial in improving the leadership skills of Ntonso SDA Church in Mountain View Ghana Conference. In addressing the challenge, a cross-sectional survey design and quantitative method were used to collect data from 150 church leaders in Ntonso SDA using a paper-based questionnaire. The results of the study intimated that generally, the Ntonso SDA Church did not have any formal process. Neither did they have a person designated explicitly for developing leaders in the Church. The survey respondents generally viewed leadership development program a critical component of the church program and mission. The study ended with a leadership development program designed for Ntonso SDA Churches for implementation.
Effective retention strategy for successful evangelism of the Chewa of Chinsapo community in Lilongwe, Malawi, through small group ministry
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-01) Chafunya, Brian Stoneck
The work of evangelizing the Chewa ethnic group of the Central Region of Malawi has been difficult. The purpose of the study was to find out why the Chewa people resist the Seventh-day Adventist Church and to find out ways of retaining them after they are converted to Adventism. In order to find out why the Chewa people do not stay long after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a study was conducted that involved small group ministry. The reason was to find out if using small group ministry would help them stay. The study was conducted at Nsewa Adventist Church in Lilongwe from September 2016 to March 2017. Twenty mature leaders were selected and trained on how to lead a small group. The idea was that after training, these people will lead twenty small groups that were to be established. The researcher was to monitor these small groups so that the purpose of establishing them would be realized.The objectives of establishing small groups were that Adventist members would invite the Chewa people during the sessions so that they learn what Adventists believe. This was because inviting them to church proved to be futile. These small groups were organized to be taking place in villages where Adventists live. The project was launched when the researcher was the pastor of the church where the research project was being conducted. However, the project met a setback as the researcher was moved to another place. The district had no full time pastor for four months. The researcher however, visited the project though not frequently. The small group leaders did a commendable job as there were not many problems. At the end of six months, data were collected and analyzed. The data were collected using quantitative data. The results supported the assumption that if small group ministry were as a strategy for evangelizing the Chewa, they would learn and acquire the SDA beliefs and then stay in the church. In conclusion, the study has shown that using small group ministry can help the Chewa People join the Adventist Church and stay. The study recommended that small group ministry should be used by the church in other region as well where the Adventist Church is resisted like in the Eastern part of Malawi where Islam is dominant.
Equipping and training church members to return tithe regularly and faithfully: a case study of Tuloi Church District
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2009-08) Rotich, Job Kirwa
This study explored how tithe giving in Tuloi Church district affects the spiritual growth of the members and their attitude towards the worldwide mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It will further develop spiritual nourishment methods that can be used by lay-leaders to guide the members to faithfully return God’s tithe in accordance to the biblical principles. The study involved adults and youths, and was intended to help church members, leaders and administrators to provide appropriate strategies that will promote explosive stewardship. Many people who attend Seventh-day Adventist churches today do not return God’s tithe as biblically instructed. They neither have the biblical concept nor the attitude to give, and do not know why tithe should be returned to the church. Many who return tithe do not do it regularly, while others return it for different reasons. Yet others simply do not know how to utilize the available resources to earn a living and have partnership with God. It was on this basis that the researcher carried out an intensive research. This study used primary and secondary methods of collecting data. Data was analyzed manually and by use of frequency tables. This helped the researcher to come up with information, relevant and useful to the study. Further, the research results will trigger interest for further research in the stewardship field. The researcher strongly believes that the findings, the recommendations and final outcome will be used by the Seventh-day Adventist Church members, leaders and administrators to instill a holistic influence of tithe giving to advance the mission of the world church.
Equipping the local church leadership to involve membership in mission focused activities of the Amakhandeni Seventh-day Adventist church
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Tshuma, Lulama
Emakhandeni Seventh-day Adventist Church was experiencing the problem of low involvement of membership in evangelistic activities that lead to the accomplishment of its mission. Despite this, it seems there was no intentional member focused mobilization strategy that had been developed to address the issue. After reviewing literature on membership mobilization towards involvement in evangelistic activities and after having scrutinized questionnaires that were completed by the surveyed group, the researcher embarked on an intervention program to alleviate the problem of low involvement of membership in mission focused evangelistic activities at Emakhandeni Church. The program was done in one year and nine months beginning from May 2011. It was a leadership development program which aimed at equipping local church leadership to mobilize church members to get involved in mission focused activities of the Emakhandeni Seventh-day Adventist church. The researcher developed and implemented this program in the church. A year after the intervention program had been developed and implemented, the church realized an accelerated rate of involvement in evangelistic activities that saw 243 baptized at the end of 2012 as compared to 124 that were baptized in 2011. This meant an increase of membership from 711 to 1078.
An exploratory study on the factors influencing pastors' desertion of their ministry in Southern Highlands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Tanzania
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-05) Kasiba, Jerico
The aim of this study was to explore the reasons which trigger pastors to leave the ministry. The study employed a case study design that purposively selected 15 exited pastors as respondents. In order to validate the views of exited pastors, all four ministerial directors in Southern Tanzania Union Mission (STUM) were also added into the study. The respondents gave their opinions through semi-structured interview sessions which were done in a face to face format. The data were audio-recorded, coded and thereafter subjected to content analysis. The findings revealed that all exited pastors still believe they were called by God and are still actively involved in church ministry regardless of being out of ministry. The second overall finding indicated that pastors exit ministry due to congregational conflicts manifesting themselves in church funds, women ministry,and false teachings. Moreover, it was clear from the study that pastors exit ministry due to administrative conflicts, this was perceived as an acute factor by respondents. The conflicts emerged in the areas of church funds, transfers and reconciliation approaches which appeared not to follow Matthew 18 ethic. The other factors included unproven allegations of sexual misdeeds and voluntary and involuntary terminations. In the end, the respondents provided insightful views in order to reduce the pastoral exit which included for the administration to be friendlier to workers and church members to have respect for their pastors.
Factors accountable for Women's Economic Dependence in Malindi District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2014-06) Gona, Agnes Kadzo
Economic dependence is a major problem in human societies. This study investigated factors accountable for the existence of economic dependence in women of Malindi SDA church district. It was reported that some women frequently missed meetings such as church retreats, congress, and departmental trainings. Questionnaires fielded among women respondents targeted the need to obtain information on economic dependency Oral interviews were conducted among church leaders for purposes of comparison of factors, which encouraged women economic dependency in other denominations. A program was designed and prepared, implemented and an evaluation carried out as a suggested way of solving the economic dependency syndrome. Six factors identified as accountable for economic dependency among women in Malindi church district of the Seventh- day Adventist were poverty, abuse, culture, lack of empowerment, educational status, and effects of economic dependency. SDA women of Malindi District were perceived to neglect active participation in church activities, which involved finance. Thus a subtle level of stigmatization at church community level was identified. Malindi district SDA church leadership had not put into economic dependency syndrome consideration into their strategic plan for church community development. However the SDA church leadership confirmed that there existed economic dependency syndrome among the SDA churchwomen. From the study findings and known effects of economic dependency, the SDA leadership needs to have a strategy in place to empower women economically. Every church member needs to be alert on caring for the poor women.
Factors affecting youth retention in Seventh-day Adventist churches in Nyaburi District, Kenya Lake Conference, Kenya
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-09) Agalo, Micah
According to a report given at the 2016 year-end church board meeting that was conducted in the Nyaburi District of the Kenya Lake Conference, it was noted that more than 40 percent of the youths baptized each year drop out from the church. This drop was also noted in all the 14 churches in the Nyaburi District. This study, therefore, investigated the factors that affected youth retention in churches in Nyaburi District, Kenya Lake Conference, Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives; how secularism affected youth retention in churches, how leadership affected youth retention in churches, and how nurturing affected youth retention in churches in Nyaburi District, Kenya lake Conference, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive and research survey design and inferential statistics and obtained its data from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were derived from the questionnaires. The target population comprised all the 14 churches in the Nyaburi District. The researcher used census sampling to select 32 youth leaders and 50 adult leaders from the 14 churches. The sample size was 82 respondents. Data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and were presented in the form of pie charts. Findings revealed that 72.7% of the respondents agreed that factors such as secular worship, secular music, and social media affected youth retention in the churches in the Nyaburi District. The findings also revealed that 70.9% of the respondents agreed that that leadership factors such as conservativeness, lack of involvement, gossip, and parents affected youth retention in churches in the Nyaburi District. Again, 75% of the respondents agreed that nurturing factors such as fellowship, teaching, and sharing affected youth retention in churches in the Nyaburi District. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that secularism, leadership, and nurturing affected youth retention in SDA Churches in Nyaburi District, Kenya Lake Conference, Kenya. To enhance youth retention, the study recommended that the youths be sensitized on the effects of the dangers in secularism. The church leaders should be trained on how to handle youths by not being too conservative, involving the youths in church programs and decision making, discouraging gossip, and encouraging parents to allow their children to attend church. Nurturing committees should also make sure that youths are involved in fellowship, they are taught on church doctrines and allowed to share their views with other church members.
Factors militating tribal conflict and strategies to promote tribal unity in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Atlantic Conference, Lagos State, Nigeria
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2020-01) Oladapo, Amos Aramide
The gravity of the adverse effects of tribal and intertribal conflict is a big threat to the unity of a nation and the churches all over the world. This trend has increased, threatening the perfect unity of the church to move forward spiritually and to increase numerically. This conflict had been on the increase and had progressed through the rank and file of the church levels, wrecking great havoc within the church and the community. Thus, this study assessed the factors militating tribal conflict (TC) and recommends strategies to promote tribal unity in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Atlantic Conference, Lagos State, Nigeria. This study adopted case study research design that entails the detailed and intensive analysis of a single case and a case study of single community and organization, the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Purposive sampling method and simple random sampling was used to assign all volunteered church members (n= 135) into the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used through an interview guide and a validated semi-structured survey questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha =0.74) was used to obtain data from the respondents. The result showed that more than half (51.9%) were between the age ranges of 40-59 while few (3%) were between ages 15-19. Majority (76.3%) of respondents were male. Virtually, all (98.5%) were from Nigeria. Less than half (45.9%) of the respondents were part of the Igbo ethnic group, while 42.2% were from Yoruba tribe only few (5.9%) were Hausa. The majority (85.9%) of the respondents reported tribal conflict as detrimental to the church. Slightly more than half (57.8%) of the respondents reported that tribal conflict led to fear in the church leaders over the loss of control of their congregation. Also, sixty five percent (65%) of the respondents reported that tribal conflict leads to inability to express one’s opinion. From the leadership perspective, 36.3% stated that church leaders always set good examples of ethical behavior and that less than half (40%) of the leaders never showed preferential treatment. Ethics and integrity were communicated clearly and convincingly by 34.8% to avert conflict. The extent to which tribal difference affects the church was measured on a 40 point rating scale and the mean score was 19.39 ±5.3. This inferred that 48.45% of the respondents reported that tribal differences affect the church unity. In conclusion, this study has given meaningful insight into the evil effects of tribal conflict and the need to provide strategies to combat it. It is recommended that leaders teach their members to follow the teaching of Christ and, secondly, to follow Biblical principles to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (NKJV Hebrew 12:14). Furthermore, it is recommended that in the selection of leaders, emphasis be placed on the character and honest report, people full of Holy Ghost, wisdom, good standing, (Church Manual, 2015; Act 6:3), great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:2-13; Titus 1:5-11 and 2:1, 7, 8).
Factors responsible for premarital sex among Adventist adolescents and young adults at Muluse
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-06) Muyunda, Moses Pumulo
There have been rumors of sexual misconduct among Adventist youths who attended camps at Muluse in Zambia. Nonetheless, no study was done to verify the validity these concerns. Therefore, this study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence and the causes of premarital sex among Adventist adolescents and young adults at Muluse. The data used for the study was drawn from 275 respondents, aged 11-24, randomly selected during a national youth camp held at Muluse. The study indicated that over two thirds (65.5 percent) of respondents were sexually active and had engaged into premarital coitus at the time of the study. Besides, 7 out of every 10 youths were at risk to HIV/AIDS due to unprotected sex. Peer pressure (67.2 percent) was the major driver for premarital sex. The media, cited by 21.1 percent of respondents emerged as a critical factor in fidelity choices while only 9.8 percent of females and 8.4 percent of males cited romantic books as a cause for sexual misconduct.The study identified the critical need for Church leaders to involve parents in the psycho sexual development of youths. Besides, a model program (YHC) was developed to promote positive behavior change among youths; more than 1500 youths were reached through this program.
Factors that influence resistance to Adventism among the Ila tribe of Namwala, Zambia
(Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-01) Kazoka, Matson M.
The main focus of this thesis is evangelism among the Ila of Namwala in Zambia. It discusses the difficulties with which Pastors and evangelists encounter among the Ila people due to their hold on culture. Some of the cultural practices that the Ila hold on to are practices such as polygamy, sexual cleansing, ancestor worship (Shimunenga ceremony), etc. The practices here mentioned have for a long time hindered church growth among the Ila people. It was after observing the tenacity with which the Ila hold to their culture, that the researcher sought a deeper understanding of the Ila people and the cultural dynamics which shape them. To begin the search for understanding the culture of these people sixty-three questionnaires were distributed to forty elderly people both men and women and also to twenty three youths both boys and girls. The feedback from the distribution of these questionnaires, contributed to the outcome of this research. This earlier activity was followed by the biblical theological foundations of humans which were contrasted with the realities of the Ila people of Namwala. In this vein both the old and new testaments were consulted. In addition to the above assertions, personal interviews were also conducted. It was after identifying the cultural factors that influence resistance to accepting Adventism among the Ila that the researcher organized a seminar in which he discussed with the members the dangers of culture in relation to God’s word. This seminar attracted 23 members both men and women. In this seminar, the participants discussed the importance of community services to the needy people, and the mechanics of implementing the program. The texts that were used were Matthew 25: 31-46 and Acts 9; 36-43.The program was implemented on a few selected families and the result was a dramatic change of attitude towards Adventism among them. Community service projects when implemented in the spirit of Christ can yield positive results on the community upon which they are implemented.

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